Branched saturated hydrocarbon cosmetic ingredient

ABSTRACT

A cosmetic ingredient including at least one plant squalane and at least one mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes, in at least dimeric form, chosen amongst the alkanes of formula (I), where n is 1 or 0, R1, R′1, R2, R′2, R3 and R′3, which may be identical or different, are chosen amongst hydrogen atoms, methyl radicals, and linear C8 to C30 alkyl radicals, at least one of R1, R′1, R2, R′2, R3 and R′3 is chosen amongst the linear C8 to C30 alkyl radicals, and at least one and at most one of R1, R′1, R2, R′2, R3 and R′3 is a methyl radical. The mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes have a viscosity between 12 and 25 mm2/s at 40° C.

This is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 15/762,415, filed Apr. 9, 2018, which is a National Phase of International Application No. PCT/EP2016/072621 filed Sep. 22, 2016, which claims the benefit of French Application No. 15/58954 filed Sep. 22, 2015. The disclosure of the prior applications is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Squalane (C₃₀H₆₂),

obtained by hydrogenation of squalene (C₃₀H₅₀),

is a cosmetic ingredient which is commonly used, in particular, for its very special sensory characteristics which it confers to the composition in which it is integrated, for its exceptional technical qualities in terms of formulation, and for its dermatological properties. Originally, it was obtained from squalene extracted from shark liver oil and then hydrogenated. A plant squalane substitute has then been extracted from the olive oil, but this olive squalane suffers, in particular, from supply difficulties due to climate problems, diseases and parasites which are attacking olive trees all over the world. In 2014, for example, the European production dropped by 45% primarily due to climate problems. In 2015, the proliferation of Xylella fastidiosa results in a threat to Italian production . . . .

The wax elimination (winterization) and purification processes also result in losses of 10 to 20%.

In addition, the evolution of the olive oil refining methods and the use of high-temperature methods promote the formation of byproducts, such as isomers and cyclic products which result in variations in the quality of the squalenes extracted from olive oil.

Numerous substitute products have been sought in order to respond to the ever-increasing demand, and various substitutes of plant origin, for example, sugar cane, have been prepared. An example that is mentioned is a plant squalane referred to as the squalane “sugar squalane,” which is obtained by the condensation of farnesene using fermentation methods; however, not all the properties, in particular the properties due to the minority constituents, namely the phytosterols and the plant waxes of olive squalane, are present.

Most of the substitutes synthesized to imitate the structure of squalane are alkanes comprising numerous branches and methyl or ethyl substituents resulting in the obligation to use syntheses that are impossible to implement starting from compounds of natural or plant origin. This is the case, in particular, of the compounds described in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,886,287 in the name of SHISEIDO which, while they meet the specifications pertaining to tolerance and have a high stability with respect to the action of the microorganism, are not comparable to squalane from a sensory standpoint.

Numerous other plant sources such as sunflower or rice wax are used on a regular basis, but the organoleptic or sensory properties of the olive squalane cannot be reproduced.

SUMMARY

Surprisingly, a cosmetic ingredient comprising at least one C24 to C48 alkane, in at least dimeric form, can advantageously be substituted for a plant squalane in cosmetic formulations, while preserving and even improving the sensory characteristics of said plant squalane.

In dimeric form is understood to mean a compound resulting from the combination (dimerization) of two molecules.

In addition, these features are achieved with alkanes that do not comprise many short-chain substituents, such as methyls or ethyls, and thus without trying to mimic the structure polysubstituted with methyl radicals of plant squalane.

In an embodiment, the plant squalane is an olive squalane.

The ingredient according to the invention, when added to the plant squalane, does not alter the properties of the plant squalane, and it can be added in proportions between 10 and 80%.

In an embodiment, it can be added in proportions between 10 and 50%.

Thus, the possibility exists of considerably decreasing the quantity of plant squalane without any negative consequence on the properties of the products which will be formulated.

The invention relates to a cosmetic ingredient comprising at least one plant squalane and at least one mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes, in at least dimeric form, chosen amongst the alkanes of formula I,

wherein

-   -   n is equal to 1 or 0,     -   at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃, which may be         identical or different, is chosen amongst the linear or branched         C8 to C30 alkyl radicals,         and at most one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a methyl         radical, said mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes having a viscosity         between 12 and 25 mm²/s at 40° C.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph showing the refractive index of the composition disclosed herein (D) as compared to the refractive indices of sugar cane squalane (A), shark squalane (B), and olive squalane (C).

FIG. 2 is a chart showing the viscosity of the composition disclosed herein (D) as compared to the viscosities of sugar cane squalane (A), shark squalane (B), and olive squalane (C).

FIG. 3 is a chart showing the consistency in g.s. of Product 1: Sugarcane squalane Neossance; Product 2: Plantasens OLIVE Squalane from Clariant; Product 3: Olive squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis; Product 4: 50% mixture of C20 to C36 alkanes+50% Olive squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis (composition S); and Product 5: 70% mixture of C24 to C36 alkanes+30% Olive squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis (composition r).

FIG. 4 is a chart showing the cohesion in g.s. of Product 1: Sugarcane squalane Neossance; Product 2: Plantasens OLIVE Squalane from Clariant; Product 3: Olive squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis; Product 4: 50% mixture of C20 to C36 alkanes+50% Olive squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis (composition S); and Product 5: 70% mixture of C24 to C36 alkanes+30% Olive squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis (composition r).

FIG. 5 is a chart showing the firmness in g. of Product 1: Sugarcane squalane Neossance; Product 2: Plantasens OLIVE Squalane from Clariant; Product 3: Olive squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis; Product 4: 50% mixture of C20 to C36 alkanes+50% Olive squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis (composition S); and Product 5: 70% mixture of C24 to C36 alkanes+30% Olive squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis (composition r).

FIG. 6 is a chart showing tackiness in g. of Product 1: Sugarcane squalane Neossance; Product 2: Plantasens OLIVE Squalane from Clariant; Product 3: Olive squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis; Product 4: 50% mixture of C20 to C36 alkanes+50% Olive squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis (composition S); and Product 5: 70% mixture of C24 to C36 alkanes+30% Olive squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis (composition r).

FIG. 7 is a chart showing the contact angle measurements after 1 s for Product 1: Sugarcane squalane Neossance; Product 2: Plantasens OLIVE Squalane from Clariant; Product 3: Coconut squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis; Product 4: 50% mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes+50% Coconut squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis; and Product 5: 70% mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes+30% Coconut squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis.

FIG. 8 is a chart showing the contact angle measurements after 4 s for Product 1: Sugarcane squalane Neossance; Product 2: Plantasens OLIVE Squalane from Clariant; Product 3: Coconut squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis; Product 4: 50% mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes+50% Coconut squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis; and Product 5: 70% mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes+30% Coconut squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to a cosmetic ingredient comprising at least one plant squalane and at least one mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes, in at least dimeric form, chosen amongst the alkanes of formula I,

wherein

-   -   n is equal to 1 or 0,     -   at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃, which may be         identical or different, is chosen amongst a group consisting of         the linear or branched C8 to C30 alkyl radicals,     -   at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a hydrogen atom —H,     -   at least one of R′₁, R′₂ and R′₃ is a hydrogen atom —H, and at         most one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a methyl radical,         said mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes having a viscosity between 12         and 25 mm²/s at 40° C.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃, which may be identical or different, is chosen amongst the linear C8 to C30 alkyl radicals. In an embodiment, R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃, which may be identical or different, are chosen amongst the group consisting of the hydrogen atoms —H, the methyl radicals and the linear or branched C8 to C30 alkyl radicals.

In an embodiment, R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃, which may be identical or different, are chosen amongst the group consisting of the hydrogen atoms —H, the methyl radicals and the linear C8 to C30 alkyl radicals.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ or R₃ and at least one of R′₁, R′₂ or R′₃ is a hydrogen atom.

In an embodiment, R′₁ is a methyl radical.

In an embodiment, R′₁ is a methyl radical, at least one of R₁, R₂ or R₃ and at least one of R′2 or R′₃ is a hydrogen atom —H.

In an embodiment, n=0, R′₁ is a methyl radical, R1, R2 and R′2 are hydrogen atoms —H, and R3 and R′3 are chosen amongst the linear or branched C8 to C30 alkyl radicals, and the alkanes of the at least one mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes, in at least dimeric form, are chosen amongst the alkanes of formula Ia.

In an embodiment, n=0, R′₁ is a methyl radical, R1, R2 and R′2 are hydrogen atoms —H, and R3 and R′3 are chosen amongst the linear C8 to C30 alkyl radicals, and the alkanes of the at least one mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes, in at least dimeric form, are chosen amongst the alkanes of formula Ia.

In an embodiment, n=1, R′₁ is a methyl radical, R1 and R′2 are hydrogen atoms —H, and R2, R3 and R′3 are chosen amongst the linear or branched C8 to C30 alkyl radicals, and the alkanes of the at least one mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes, in at least dimeric form, are chosen amongst the alkanes of formula Ib.

In an embodiment, n=1, R′₁ is a methyl radical, R1 and R′2 are hydrogen atoms —H, and R2, R3 and R′3 are chosen amongst the linear C8 to C30 alkyl radicals, and the alkanes of the at least one mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes, in at least dimeric form, are chosen amongst the alkanes of formula Ib.

In an embodiment, n=0, R1 and R′1 are hydrogen atoms —H, and R2, R′2, R3 and R′3 are chosen amongst the linear or branched C8 to C30 alkyl radicals, and the alkanes of the at least one mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes, in at least dimeric form, are chosen amongst the alkanes of formula Ic.

In an embodiment, n=0, R1 and R′1 are hydrogen atoms —H, and R2, R′2, R3 and R′3 are chosen amongst the linear C8 to C30 alkyl radicals, and the alkanes of the at least one mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes, in at least dimeric form, are chosen amongst the alkanes of formula Ic.

In an embodiment, the branched alkanes of formula I, Ia, Ib and Ic are obtained by successive dimerizations of fatty alcohols originating from the catalytic hydrogenation of the coconut methyl esters, and comprise dimers, trimers, quadrimers or pentamers, followed by dehydration and hydrogenation.

In a preferred embodiment, the successive dimerizations are obtained by a Guerbet reaction.

In an embodiment, the fatty alcohols originating from the catalytic hydrogenation of the coconut methyl esters are dodecanol and decanol.

In an embodiment, the branched alkanes of formula I, Ia, Ib and Ic comprise 30 to 36 carbon atoms and consist primarily or dimers and trimers.

In an embodiment, the branched alkanes of formula I, Ia, Ib and Ic are obtained by successive dimerizations, by Guerbet reactions, of dodecanol and decanol, followed by dehydration and hydrogenation.

In an embodiment, the dimerization of decanol yields an octyldodecanol, which can then be dimerized with a dodecanol to yield a mixture of C32 isomers, consisting primarily of trimers. The medium can also comprise C24 dimers originating from the condensation of dodecanol with itself. The mixture is then subjected to a dehydration followed by a hydrogenation.

In an embodiment, the branched alkanes of formula I, Ia, Ib and Ic comprise at least one C30 trimeric alkane obtained by successive dimerizations of decanol.

In an embodiment, the branched alkanes of formula I, Ia, Ib and Ic comprise at least one C32 trimeric alkane obtained by successive dimerizations of decanol and dodecanol, followed by dehydration and hydrogenation.

In an embodiment, the branched alkanes of formula I, Ia, Ib and Ic comprise at least one C36 trimeric alkane obtained by successive dimerizations of dodecanol, followed by dehydration and hydrogenation.

In an embodiment, n is equal to 1.

In an embodiment, n is equal to 0.

In an embodiment, the alkyl radicals are chosen amongst linear C8 to C12 alkyl radicals.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C8 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C9 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C10 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C11 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C12 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C13 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C14 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C15 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C16 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C17 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C18 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C19 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C20 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C21 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C22 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C23 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C24 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C25 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C26 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C27 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C28 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C29 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a C30 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, the C32 trimeric alkanes are obtained by the following reactions:

Step 1: Successive Dimerizations

Step 2: Dehydration

Step 3: Hydrogenation

In an embodiment, the C36 trimeric alkanes are obtained by the following reactions:

Step 1: Successive Dimerizations

Step 2: Dehydration

Step 3: hydrogenation

In an embodiment, the cosmetic ingredient is characterized in that it comprises, in addition, at least one branched C24 to C48 alkane of general formula II,

wherein

-   -   at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃, which may be identical or         different, is chosen amongst the linear or branched C8 to C30         alkyl radicals,         and at most one of R₁, R and R₃ is a hydrogen atom.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃, which may be identical or different, is chosen amongst the linear C8 to C30 alkyl radicals

In an embodiment, the branched alkane comprises 28 to 36 carbons.

In an embodiment, none of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a hydrogen atom.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a hydrogen atom.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C8 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C9 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C10 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C11 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C12 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C13 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C14 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C15 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C16 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C17 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C18 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C19 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C20 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C21 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C22 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C23 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C24 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C25 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C26 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C27 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C28 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C29 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, at least one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a C30 alkyl radical.

In an embodiment, the at least branched alkane of formula II is obtained by dehydrogenation of a C24 to C48 Guerbet alcohol of general formula III,

wherein R₁, R₂ and R₃ have the values defined above, followed by a hydrogenation.

In an embodiment, the at least C36 branched alkanes are obtained by dehydrogenation of Isofol 36

followed by a hydrogenation, to obtain 17-methylpentatriacontane. In an embodiment, the cosmetic ingredient can moreover comprise C18 to C28 alkanes of general formula I, obtained by dehydrogenation of alcohols originating from plant sources.

The dimerizations are carried out by a Guerbet reaction, starting from linear alcohols; alcohols branched in position 2 are obtained. The Guerbet reactions are run in the presence of hydroxides or metal alkoxides and Raney nickel catalysts at temperatures above 220° C. and under pressure. Reaction conditions such as those described in the patent US 2003/0181770 in the name of COGNIS can also be used.

The Guerbet alcohols or at least dimeric alcohols used can also be purchased, for example, from the company SASOL.

The dehydration reactions are run according to the conventional high-temperature methods in the presence of alumina or according to methods described, for example, in the patent application WO2010121591 in the name of SASOL. In another variant of the invention, the alkanes can be obtained from fatty alcohols by hydrogenolysis of the hydroxyl function, in the presence of hydrogen and of a metal catalyst.

The hydrogenation reactions are carried out by implementation of conventional catalysts such as nickel catalysts marketed by the company Johnson Matthey or by new-generation palladium catalysts, such as those described in the publication by R. Ciriminna et al., in Org. Process Res. Dev., 2014, 18(9), pp. 1110-1115.

The invention also relates to the use of the cosmetic ingredient according to the invention, in combination with a plant squalane, to yield a composition of which the organoleptic and sensory properties are preserved, while using less plant squalane.

It relates to the use of the cosmetic ingredient according to the invention, in combination with a plant squalane, for preparing a composition of which the organoleptic and sensory properties are preserved, while replacing at least 50% of plant squalane in the composition.

The invention also relates to a composition containing at most 50% plant squalane in combination with the cosmetic ingredient according to the invention.

The invention also relates to a composition comprising at most 50% plant squalane in combination with the cosmetic ingredient according to the invention.

The invention also relates to a composition comprising 30 to 50% plant squalane in combination with 50 to 70% of the cosmetic ingredient according to the invention.

EXAMPLES

I—General Conditions:

Dimerization Reaction:

The Guerbet reaction between two identical or different alcohols yields a mixture consisting of different isomers. This synthesis is carried out in the presence of a mixture of two alcohols, preferably in an equimolar ratio and in the presence of an alkaline base and of a catalyst based on copper oxide.

Dehydration Method:

The reactor used is a continuous tubular reactor which has the following characteristics:

-   -   Inner diameter: 12.5 mm     -   Total height: 370 mm     -   Height of the catalyst bed: 100 mm

The catalyst bed is placed at mid-height of the reactor. A thermocouple is placed at the core of this bed. The latter is held by a grate on which silica wool is placed. Above the bed, silica wool is added, in order to immobilize the catalyst bed.

For this dehydration step, the catalyst used is an industrial alumina (Al₂O₃ 99%).

A weight of 6.436 g was loaded into the reactor, or a volume of 11.9 mL.

Hydrogenation Reactions

The hydrogenation reactions take place in a batch reactor having a capacity of one liter. The operating conditions are specified below.

The alkene and the catalyst (Raney nickel) are introduced into the reactor at ambient temperature. The reactor is rendered inert with 3×5 bar of nitrogen, and the temperature is raised to the working temperature of 180° C. 5 bar dihydrogen are then introduced. After two hours, the temperature is raised to 200° C. The reaction is then maintained for an additional 3 h.

II Obtention of the Alkanes in at Least Dimeric Form

II-1 Obtention of the C30 Alkanes in at Least Dimeric Form

Guerbet reaction between decanol and octyldodecanol (obtained by dimerization of decanol). The decanol is a fatty alcohol originating from the catalytic hydrogenation of coconut methyl esters.

The desired reaction between decanol and octyldodecanol yields a mixture of C30 isomers consisting mostly of trimers. See diagrams below. It can also give rise to the formation of C20 dimers originating from the reaction of decanol with itself.

The mixture of alcohols is then dehydrated according to the general conditions described above.

The mixture of alkenes obtained is then hydrogenated, yielding on average C30 trimeric alkanes, according to the invention.

Consumption Iodine of dihydrogen Alkane alkene Alkane per 1 ton of formula index g viscosity Alkane flow alkene, kg H₂ (average) I2/100 g 40° C., mm²/s point, ° C. 4.8 C30H62 <1 14 −54 II-2 Obtention of the C32 Alkanes in at Least Dimeric Form

Guerbet reaction between dodecanol and octyldodecanol (obtained by dimerization of decanol). The dodecanol and decanol are fatty alcohols originating from the catalytic hydrogenation of coconut methyl esters.

The desired reaction between dodecanol and octyldodecanol yields a mixture of C32 isomers consisting primarily of trimers. It can also give rise to the formation of C24 dimers originating from the reaction of dodecanol with itself.

The mixture of alcohols is then dehydrated according to the general conditions described above.

The mixture of alkenes obtained is then hydrogenated, yielding on average C32 trimeric alkanes, according to the invention.

Consumption Iodine of dihydrogen Alkane alkene Alkane per 1 ton of formula index g viscosity Alkane flow alkene, kg H₂ (average) I2/100 g 40° C., mm²/s point, ° C. 4.5 C32H66 <1 16 −30 II-3 Obtention of the C36 Alkanes in at Least Dimeric Form

Guerbet reaction between dodecanol and decatetradecanol (obtained by dimerization of dodecanol). The dodecanol is a fatty alcohol originating from the catalytic hydrogenation of coconut methyl esters.

The desired reaction between dodecanol and decatetradecanol yields a mixture of C36 isomers consisting primarily of trimers. It can also give rise to the formation of C24 dimers originating from the reaction of dodecanol with itself.

The mixture of alcohols is then dehydrated according to the general conditions described above.

The mixture of alkenes obtained is then hydrogenated, yielding on average C36 trimeric alkanes, according to the invention.

Consumption Iodine of dihydrogen Alkane alkene Alkane per 1 ton of formula index g viscosity Alkane flow alkene, kg H₂ (average) 12/100 g 40° C., mm²/s point, ° C. 4.0 C36H74 <1 20 −24 III Examples of Synthesis of Branched Alkanes of General Formulas II: III-1 Dehydration

The raw materials used are the following:

Raw materials Reference Supplier 2-decyltetradecanol Isofol 24 SASOL 2-tetradecyloctadecanol Isofol 32 SASOL 2-hexadecyleicosanol Isofol 36 SASOL Alumina INDUSTRIAL 99% Silica wool VWR Nitrogen Industrial AIR LIQUIDE

The LHSV (Liquid Hourly Space Velocity) corresponds to the flow rate of alcohol passing through the reactor, expressed in mL/min/mL of catalyst.

Dehydration results Quantity of water Quantity produced of alkene per 1 ton produced T, d (mL/ Conver- of alco- per 1 ton of Alcohol ° C. LHSV min) sion hol, kg alcohol, kg Isofol 24 330 2.5 0.5 >99% 50.8 949.2 Isofol 32 330 2.5 0.5 >99% 38.6 961.4 Isofol 36 330 2.5 0   >99% 34.5 965.5

Characterization of the alkenes Iodine alkene index Alkene Alkene formula g I₂/100 g Alkene iC24 C24H48 75.5 Alkene iC32 C32H64 56.7 Alkene iC36 C36H72 50.4 Plant squalene C30H50 371.4 Marine squalene C30H50 371.4 III-2 Hydrogenation

According to the protocol described above, part I-3, the alkanes having the characteristics given in the table below are obtained.

Characterization of the alkanes Consumption of hydrogen per 1 Viscosity Appearance ton of alkene, Alkane 40° C. at ambient Alkane kg H2 formula mm²/s temperature Alkane i C24 6.0 C24H50  8.0 Liquid Alkane i C32 4.5 C32H66 Nd Solid Alkane i C36 4.0 C36H74 nd Solid Plant squalane 29.3 C30H62 21.7 Liquid Marine 29.3 C309H62 16.6 Liquid squalane IV—Examples of Compositions According to the Invention Composition R

A composition according to the invention is prepared by mixing:

-   -   50% of olive squalane,     -   35% of C36 alkane in at least dimeric form,     -   10% of C30 alkane in at least dimeric form     -   5% of branched C32 alkane.

A composition which is non-greasy, fine and film-forming is obtained.

The stability is equivalent to that of shark squalane.

The viscosities at 40° C. in mm2/s and the refractive indexes are compared in the tables below and in FIGS. 1 and 2 with those of olive squalane, sugar cane squalane, shark squalane.

Refractive Indexes (See FIG. 1 )

Product nomenclature Product tested Refractive index A Sugar cane squalane 1.4521 B Shark squalane 1.4520 C Olive squalane 1.4560 D Composition according to 1.4558 the invention Viscosities at 40° C. in mm/s (See FIG. 2 )

Viscosity at Product nomenclature Product tested 40° C. in mm²/s A Sugar cane squalane 16.2 B Shark squalane 16.6 C Olive squalane 20.5 D Composition according to 21.7 the invention

In conclusion, the viscosities and the refractive indexes of the composition according to the invention are equivalent to those of olive squalane.

Composition S

A composition according to the invention is prepared by mixing:

-   -   30% of olive squalane,     -   17.5% of C24 alkane in at least dimeric form,     -   52.5% of C36 alkane in at least dimeric form,

Composition T

A composition according to the invention is prepared by mixing:

-   -   50% of olive squalane,     -   10% of C20 alkane in at least dimeric form,     -   40% of C36 alkane in at least dimeric form,         V—Characterization of the Compositions According to the         Invention by Texturometry

A test reproducing the sensory characteristics was carried out, and the consistency, the cohesion, the firmness and tackiness were characterized for compositions according to the invention and squalanes.

The protocols used are described in the thesis by Laura Gilbert. Caractérisation physico-chimique et sensorielle d'ingrédients cosmétiques: une approche méthodologique [Physicochemical and sensory characterization of cosmetic ingredients: a methodological approach]. Polymers. University of Havre, 2012, in particular pages 126 and 127, and in the publication by Laura Gilbert in 2 Colloids and surfaces A: Physicochem. Eng. Aspects 421 (2013) 150-163, page 152, paragraph 2.2.3.

The apparatus used is a TA.XT Plus texturometer.

In FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6 , the results pertaining to the following compositions or ingredients have been collected:

-   -   Product 1: Sugarcane squalane Neossance     -   Product 2: Plantasens OLIVE Squalane from Clariant     -   Product 3: Olive squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis     -   Product 4: 50% mixture of C20 to C36 alkanes+50% Olive squalane         (Squalive) Biosynthis (composition S)     -   Product 5: 70% mixture of C24 to C36 alkanes+30% Olive squalane         (Squalive) Biosynthis (composition r)

FIG. 3 represents the results obtained for consistency in g.s. The results are subjected to a variance analysis (ANOVA), and no significant difference between the different products tested is observed.

FIG. 4 represents the results obtained for cohesion in g.s. The results are subjected to a variance analysis (ANOVA), and no significant difference between the different products tested is observed.

FIG. 5 represents the results obtained for firmness in g. The results are subjected to a variance analysis (ANOVA), and no significant difference between the different products tested is observed.

FIG. 6 represents the results obtained for tackiness in g. The results are subjected to a variance analysis (ANOVA), and no significant difference between the different products tested is observed.

VI—Characterization of the Compositions According to the Invention by Goniometry

Compositions according to the invention and squalanes were characterized by goniometry according to the protocol described in the publication by G. Savary in Colloids and surfaces Biointerfaces 102 (2013) 371-378, on page 372, paragraph 2.2.1.

The apparatus used is a Digidrop GBX.

In FIGS. 7 and 8 , the results pertaining to the following compositions or ingredients have been collected:

-   -   Product 1: Sugarcane squalane Neossance     -   Product 2: Plantasens OLIVE Squalane from Clariant     -   Product 3: Coconut squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis     -   Product 4: 50% mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes+50% Coconut         squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis     -   Product 5: 70% mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes+30% Coconut         squalane (Squalive) Biosynthis

The results are expressed in degree ° and subjected to a variance analysis (ANOVA)

The results presented in FIG. 7 are contact angle measurements after 1 s.

The results presented in FIG. 8 are contact angle measurements after 4 s.

V—Cosmetic Formulations Comprising Compositions According to the Invention

Make-Up Foundation Composition:

Phase A: INCI Ingredients wt %/total weight Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 2.80 dimethicone Abil EM 90 Phenyl trimethicone 1 Composition according to 3 the invention S Cetearyl ethylhexanoate 2 Vegelight 1214 Plant hydrocarbons 1.8 Ingredients wt %/total weight Phase B: Mica 0.5 Red oxide and dimethicone 0.22 Yellow oxide and dimethicone 0.75 Black iron oxide and dimethicone 0.12 Titanium oxide and dimethicone 8.5 Phase C Sodium chloride 1.25 Phenoxyethanol 0.50 Butylene glycol 5.00 Water Sufficient quantity for 100 Perfume sufficient quantity Dry Oil Composition

Ingredients INCI wt %/total weight Phase A: Caprylic/capric triglyceride Neoderm MCT 10.00 Simmondsia chinensis Organic Jojoba oil 5.00 Composition according to the 59.9 invention S Phase B: Plant hydrocarbons VEGELIGHT 1214 20.00 Perfume sufficient quantity 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A cosmetic ingredient comprising at least one plant squalane and at least one mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes, chosen amongst the alkanes of formula I,

wherein n is equal to 0, R₁, R′₁, and R₂ are each a hydrogen atom —H, R′₂ is a methyl radical, and R₃ and R′₃ are chosen amongst linear C8 to C30 alkyl radicals, and said mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes has a viscosity between 12 and 25 mm²/s at 40° C.
 2. The ingredient according to claim 1, wherein the alkanes of formula I are a mixture of C30 to C36 alkanes.
 3. The ingredient according to claim 1, further comprising at least one branched C24 to C48 alkane of general formula II,

wherein R₁, R₂ and R₃, which may be identical or different, are chosen amongst linear C8 to C30 alkyl radicals and a hydrogen atom, and at most one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a hydrogen atom.
 4. The ingredient according to claim 3, wherein the at least one branched alkane of formula II is a C28 to C36 alkane.
 5. The ingredient according to claim 3, wherein all of R₁, R₂, and R₃ in Formula II, which may be identical or different, are chosen amongst the linear C8 to C30 alkyl radicals.
 6. The ingredient according to claim 1, wherein the at least one plant squalane is olive squalane.
 7. A method comprising combining the cosmetic ingredient according to claim 1 with an additional plant squalane to yield a composition containing at most 50% of the additional plant squalane.
 8. A cosmetic ingredient comprising at least one plant squalane and at least one mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes, in at least dimeric form, chosen amongst the alkanes of formula I,

wherein R′₁ and R₁ are each a hydrogen atom, n is equal to 0, and R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ are chosen amongst linear C8 to C30 alkyl radicals and at least one and at most one of R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a methyl radical.
 9. A cosmetic ingredient comprising: at least one plant squalane, and at least one mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes, in at least dimeric form, chosen amongst the alkanes of Formula I,

wherein n is equal to 0, R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃, which may be identical or different, are chosen amongst the group consisting of a hydrogen atom —H, a methyl radical, and linear C8 to C30 alkyl radicals, at least one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃, which may be identical or different, is chosen amongst the linear C8 to C30 alkyl radicals, and at least one and at most one of R₁, R′₁, R₂, R′₂, R₃ and R′₃ is a methyl radical, said mixture of C24 to C48 alkanes having a viscosity between 12 and 25 mm²/s at 40° C.
 10. The ingredient according to claim 9, wherein the alkanes of formula I are a mixture of C30 to C36 alkanes.
 11. The ingredient according to claim 9, further comprising at least one branched C24 to C48 alkane of general formula II,

wherein at most one of R₁, R₂ and R₃ is a hydrogen atom, R1, R2 and R3, which may be identical or different, are chosen amongst linear C8 to C30 alkyl radicals and a hydrogen atom, and at most one of R1, R2 and R3 is a hydrogen atom.
 12. The ingredient according to claim 11, wherein the at least one branched alkane of formula II is a C28 to C36 alkane.
 13. The ingredient according to claim 11, wherein all of R₁, R₂, and R₃ in Formula II, which may be identical or different, are chosen amongst the linear C8 to C30 alkyl radicals.
 14. The ingredient according to claim 9, wherein the at least one plant squalane is olive squalane.
 15. A method comprising combining the cosmetic ingredient according to claim 9 with an additional plant squalane to yield a composition containing at most 50% of the additional plant squalane. 